A framework for automated control and commissioning of hybrid ventilation systems in complex buildings

CC Menassa, N Taylor, J Nelson - Automation in Construction, 2013 - Elsevier
CC Menassa, N Taylor, J Nelson
Automation in Construction, 2013Elsevier
Complex commercial buildings consume a significant amount of energy through their
ventilation and cooling systems. Hybrid ventilation can help reduce these loads while
providing building occupants with a comfortable environment. This research develops a
generic automated hybrid ventilation control for public spaces of complex commercial
buildings, and identifies a commissioning methodology which determines the best way to
operate a hybrid ventilation system in a retrofitted or occupied building. This control was …
Complex commercial buildings consume a significant amount of energy through their ventilation and cooling systems. Hybrid ventilation can help reduce these loads while providing building occupants with a comfortable environment. This research develops a generic automated hybrid ventilation control for public spaces of complex commercial buildings, and identifies a commissioning methodology which determines the best way to operate a hybrid ventilation system in a retrofitted or occupied building. This control was verified through a case study of a complex building. The results show that the system could be used through 28% of the 128-day cooling season resulting in 20% energy savings in comparison to traditional mechanical ventilation in the public space. The implementation of the automated control helped develop a hybrid ventilation operation protocol through commissioning during the operation phase in lieu of developing complex air-flow models for the installed system in the case study building.
Elsevier